Security Clearance for IT Jobs

Security clearance is a status granted to individuals which allows them access to classified information. The term security clearance is also used in private organisations that have a formal process to vet employees for access to sensitive information.

The increasing demand for security cleared IT jobs is primarily driven by pressure for increased security and by organisations that previously have not required security clearance, but now expect Basic Check (BC) as a minimum and Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) or Security Check (SC) to work on sensitive projects.

Obtaining security clearance can prove very useful for IT professionals, especially contractors, as this will undoubtedly lead to more job opportunities. Having security clearance in advance of applying for jobs ensures that your prospects are greatly enhanced. Having security clearance however will not necessarily guarantee good rates and long contracts. The start of major projects can drive up salary rates for security-cleared contractors in the short term, but over a longer period they are comparable with non-cleared roles.

Obtaining Security Clearance

In order to gain security clearance a contractor will require a sponsor. Usually the sponsor will be an organisation that requires your skills and is willing to invest both time and resources in gaining your security clearance. To find out more about obtaining security clearance click here

Upon receiving security clearance it is essential that you keep a record of the details including: date cleared, holding department and contact details, expiry date and level. It is important to keep this information to hand as you cannot always rely on your sponsor to have the information readily available. When you start a new contract, contact the security officer to ensure they have transferred your clearance. This is also important, for once clearance is granted you will need to keep continuity or it will expire, regardless of the original term of clearance.

Jobs Requiring Security Clearance

There are a number of security cleared IT jobs available within both the public and private sector. Typical security cleared IT jobs include the standard range of skills such as Java, Oracle, Cisco, J2EE, developers and project managers. Due to the increase in homeland security the demand for security-cleared personnel is on the rise, especially in sectors such as defence and government.

Government departments are naturally the biggest employers of security cleared IT jobs in the UK but there are still a number of vacancies available within the private sector such as financial institutions.

Contractor UK also have several guides in their section on security clearance for IT contractors including an article entitled 'How do I get security cleared?' and a further article on the effect on rates if you cleared 'Security Clearance – What's it worth to you?'.